Baojun 510 (Hyundai Creta rival) spotted on test in India

Autocar India has come up with a spy image of a heavily camouflaged Baojun 510 that has been spotted undergoing road trials in India. The small SUV, which is a Hyundai ix25 rival in China, could take on the Hyundai Creta in the Indian market.

The Baojun 510 was unveiled at the Auto Guangzhou in November 2016. In the words of SAIC-GM-Wuling, the small SUV caters to "the requirements of those born in the 1980s and 1990s".

The Baojun 510 was unveiled at the 2016 Auto Guangzhou and received a mid-cycle update last year. The small SUV measures 4,220 mm in length, 1,740 mm in width and 1,615 mm in height. In comparison, the Hyundai Creta is 4,270 mm long, 1,780 mm wide and 1,665 mm high. That said, the Chinese SUV has a wheelbase of 2,550 mm, which is shorter than Creta's (2,590 mm). The highlight of the exterior is the distinct 'Future Eye' LED daytime running lights, which give the face a bold look. A similar twin-light arrangement is seen on the MG Hector as well.

On the inside, the Baojun 510 features a black-bright brown dual-tone colour scheme. The equipment list for the small SUV includes a semi-open panoramic sunroof, automatic climate control, keyless entry, push-button start, cruise control and electrically adjustable heated and folding outside rearview mirrors. The highlight of the cabin is an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment unit that offers reverse camera display and smartphone connectivity features.

The Baojun 510 is powered by a 1.5-litre S-TEC III petrol engine that is available with six-speed manual and automated manual transmission options. Safety features on offer include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), dual front airbags, side airbags and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

The Baojun 510 has already undergone 400,000 km of testing in extreme conditions. Additionally, its 1.5-litre engine was put through over 10,000 hours of simulated testing.

MG Motors India will commence its Indian innings with a Baojun 530-based C-SUV that will be called the MG Hector. The new model will launch by the middle of 2019 and will be produced at the company's Halol plant in Gujarat, which was acquired from General Motors in September 2017. The company will launch an electric SUV as its second model.